Low Level Laser therapy is also now known as PhotoBioModulation (PBM) and perhaps more helpfully so, since its action involves the modulation of the biological activity of the body through the controlled delivery of light which is monochromatic and usually but not always coherent laser light.

The therapeutic effects of PBM treatment were discovered by Endre Mester, a professor of surgery, who observed improved hair growth and healing in tissue adjacent to his laser surgery but where only a low laser dose was received. His subsequent work provided the initial volume of evidence for the efficacy of laser in healing.

Research has since shown the therapy to be dose dependent with effects which are bi-phasic in response but delivering appropriately low levels of light energy remains fundamental to achieving the desired biochemical effects. Low Level Laser Therapy equipment delivers the range of required light energy density with negligible thermal effect thus avoiding tissue damage through heat from excess power.

Degrees of Hazard

The classification of lasers is based on the potential hazard they present to people exposed to them, with the higher number denoting greater potential hazard. The numbers have nothing to do with any progression of technical development. All classes have been around and used since the introduction of classification.

Classes 3B and 4 lasers are distinguished by power levels with Class 3B being those up to 500mW and Class 4 being greater than 500mW. Both are powerful enough to present potential hazard: Class 3B mainly to the eye and Class 4 to skin and tissue as well as the eye. Hence the common medical use of Class 4 lasers for surgical purposes, where targeted tissue destruction is the objective. Class 4 also present a potential hazard with respect to reflections off a range of surfaces but with Class 3B this is limited to mirror reflections when the beam is highly collimated.

Omega produces Class 3B laser systems which are completely safe so long as the protective eyewear is worn.

Excellent for optimising soft tissue repair and providing drug-free pain relief, laser therapy is a modality well-used by many physiotherapists. As was discussed at this year’s World Confederation for Physical Therapy conference, the number of electrophysical agents studies on PEDro has almost trebled over the past 10 years and they are now associated with high quality trial design, addressing concerns regarding the quality of the evidence base.

Low Level Laser Therapy is prominent amongst these with a large quantity of in vitro and in vivo supporting evidence which grows in volume and quality each year. Applied appropriately it works synergistically with manipulation and activity treatment programmes and is safer than and demonstrated to be just as effective as simple analgesia for managing pain symptoms in some acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders. The drug-free pain relief it affords, is of particular help in the treatment of arthritic conditions being applicable for almost all patients including those who are diabetic or for whom cortisone is contraindicated.

It has fewer contraindications than ultrasound therapy, permitting treatment over plates, pins and patients with pacemakers as well as much greater flexibility including the capacity to effectively (and with Omega equipment, measurably) address trigger points.

All of Omega Laser Systems’ products are designed to be robust and reliable, offering the practitioner the flexibility to set a broad range of protocols. Our lasers are Class 3B Gallium Aluminium Arsenide Lasers, known as GaAlAs, and we also use superluminous LEDs in our multi-wavelength probes.

Omega’s equipment is used in over 70 countries, facilitated by our international network of agents.

Each Omega Laser system includes a choice of control unit plus one or more of a range of interchangeable probes. Each probe is produced to emit laser light at a specific wavelength, or set of wavelengths and the power, pulsing frequency and programming can be varied with the easy-to-use control unit.

Introductory product training is provided with each directly purchased system.

Omega Laser Systems is the longest established UK low level laser manufacturer and was involved in much of the founding research work in the field. Omega’s equipment has been used by health care professionals across the world for more than 25 years.

Guided by the same senior management team since 1993, Omega has consistently promoted a people-focused approach, seeking to deliver excellent customer service whether pre or post purchase. We believe it’s key to ensure that a laser system fits the clinician’s needs and that they can employ it effectively, so we advise on appropriate tailored systems, train one-to-one with each direct purchase and support new customers as they build confidence in using the equipment. We also encourage customer feedback and ongoing dialogue, whether on equipment, service or treatment protocols, with many long-established customer relationships as a result.